How to Clean Flux Residue After Soldering

By B. Ellen von Oostenburg ; Updated September 15, 2017

Things Needed

Flux

Wire solder

Wire snips

Electric solder gun

Aerosol flux remover

Liquid flux remover

Tray

Boar's hair brush

Soldering metal requires flux, solder, heat and of course metal. The flux acts as an agent to clean oxidation from the surface of the metal so that the melted solder can flow. Afterward, flux residue can be removed from the solder joint with commercial flux removers. There are all-purpose, heavy duty, no-clean, rosin and water-soluble flux removers. Most come in aerosol cans and are sprayed after the solder and the metal have cooled, while some are liquid. In most cases, flux removal takes two steps--applying the remover and rinsing it off.

Wait until the solder joint has cooled and spray on flux remover or submerge the soldered piece in a tray of liquid flux remover.

If using spray-on flux remover, rinse it off before it completely evaporates. If using liquid flux remover, agitate the piece in the solution and use a boar's hair brush to brush over the flux if some is sticking to the soldered joint. For heavy deposits of flux, use a steel bristle or brass bristle brush.

If you see a white residue on the solder joint after cleaning, that means the flux hasn't been completely removed. Reapply flux remover and repeat the process.

Tip

Some companies produce flux remover wash in an aerosol can. Just spray it on after applying flux remover and it will clean away the flux remover and residue. It will evaporate and dry on its own.

Warning

When working with solder, wear protective glasses and have good ventilation. Because solder contains lead, always wash your hands after handling it.

References

About the Author

B. Ellen von Oostenburg became a full-time writer a decade ago. She has written features for local and state newspapers, as well as magazines, including Milwaukee Magazine, Wisconsin Trails and German Magazine. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, von Oostenburg holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in fine art.